The Airport Handling Manual (AHM) is a comprehensive guide published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It contains all the industry-approved policies and standards to support safe and efficient ground operations above and below the wing.
The AHM is policy-driven and focuses on “what to do” in various aspects of airport handling, including:
🔹 Passenger handling
🔹 Baggage handling
🔹 Cargo/mail handling
🔹 Aircraft handling and loading
🔹 Load control
🔹 Management and safety
🔹 Aircraft movement control
AHM is designed to help ensure that ground operations are carried out safely and efficiently, and is updated annually to reflect the latest regulations and best practices. The manual also includes the Standard Ground Handling Agreement (SGHA), which is the only industry-recognized contract template for ground handling services.
AHM is often used in conjunction with the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM), which is procedure-driven and focuses on “how to do” the tasks outlined in it. Both manuals are essential for airlines, airports, and service providers involved in ground handling operations.
REFERENCES
IATA – Airport Handling Manual (AHM). https://www.iata.org
IATA – Manuals, Standards & Regulations. https://www.iata.org
IATA – Ground Ops Standards. https://www.iata.org
